Harper Government Makes Major Investments in Nunavut

IQALUIT, NUNAVUT--(Marketwire - March 22, 2013) - Today, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister of Health, announced that the Harper Government will make major investments in Nunavut for the construction of housing, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure as part of Economic Action Plan 2013.

"The Harper Government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in Canada's North," said Minister Aglukkaq. "Economic Action Plan 2013 builds on previous actions by our Government to support families and communities, improving the quality of life for hard-working Canadian families."

As part of the Building Canada Plan, Nunavut will receive at least $400 million for roads, bridges and other public infrastructure over the next ten years.

Nunavut faces unique challenges in providing affordable housing due to its climate, geography and dispersed population. In recognition of the distinctive needs of Nunavut, the federal government will invest $100 million over two years to support the construction of about 250 houses for Northern families. This investment is in addition to the renewed funding that will be provided through the Investment in Affordable Housing and the Homelessness Partnering Strategy

In addition, the federal government will invest approximately $116 million over the next five years to support the construction of the Nanisivik naval berth and refuelling facility in Nunavut, which will support Canada's Arctic/Offshore patrol ships.